Would an average dresser like this hold the weight of a 55 gallon?

[Joonburg]

I wouldn't risk it. A full 55 gallon tank is ridiculously heavy. Imagine your setup coming down and flooding your house. It'd be disastrous. Have you tried Craigslist? You can usually come across a good stand for cheap.

 

[theplantman]

I think that would be the best way to almost guarantee an accident of humongous proportions. Get a stand or make one. Also make sure theat the place where you set it up can support that kind of weight.